Washington pet insurance law

Washington regulates pet insurance under RCW 48.205.010-48.205.080, enacted by SB 5319 (2023), Ch. 42, Laws of 2023, effective 1 January 2024.

Key provisions

Longest waiting period allowed, illness	30 days
Longest waiting period allowed, accident	No waiting period allowed
Longest waiting period allowed, orthopedic	30 days
Free-look period	15 days
Pre-existing condition rule	Model-Act definition: a condition for which, before the policy effective date or during any waiting period, a veterinarian provided medical advice, the pet received previous treatment, or, based on verifiable sources, the pet had signs or symptoms directly related to the claimed condition A condition covered under the policy is not preexisting at renewal Insurer bears burden of proving the exclusion applies.
Wellness programs	Yes: wellness programs may not be marketed as pet insurance or required for purchase Separate cost and terms May not duplicate policy coverage 12-pt bold 'not insurance' disclosure 'wellness' benefits inside a policy are insurance.
Required disclosures	Exclusions for preexisting/hereditary/congenital/chronic conditions plus 'other exclusions may apply' statement Waiting periods, deductibles, coinsurance, annual/lifetime limits Whether claims history, pet age or location change coverage or premiums Underwriter name if different from brand Claim payment basis, benefit schedules and usual-and-customary fee basis (with website link) Separate 'Insurer Disclosure of Important Policy Provisions' document (12-pt type, posted online) Regulator and insurer/producer contact info.
Agent licensing and training	Yes: producers must be licensed and complete training before selling (preexisting conditions/waiting periods, insurance vs. wellness programs, hereditary/congenital/chronic conditions, rating/underwriting/renewal) Substantially similar out-of-state training accepted.

Not legal advice. This is a summary of the statute as enacted. Read the policy and the law itself, or ask the state insurance department, before relying on it.

Sources

Checked 29 October 2026.